TCU remains unbeaten with 93-74 victory over Alcorn State
TCU (5-0) continued its dominance over the SWAC with a 93-74 victory over Alcorn State Tuesday at Schollmaier Arena.
The Horned Frogs (5-0) are off to their best start since 2017 when they won their first 12 games.
TCU’s first two /Southwestern Athletic Conference/ SWAC opponents this season were Southern and Mississippi Valley State, which the Horned Frogs beat by 33 and 34 points.
TCU has been one of the country’s most dangerous teams in transition this season and had 37 fastbreak points in the 19-point victory.
TCU gets off to a fast start
TCU has struggled at times this season, getting off to slow starts, but not against the Braves.
TCU jumped out to an early 22-10 lead thanks to an aggressive defense that forced the Braves into turnovers which led to fastbreak opportunities.
Senior forward Emmanuel Miller spoke about what the team needs to do to continue to start games off well.
“So I think just continue doing what we’re doing in practice, staying to our principles of trusting in ourselves, trusting our defense, trusting the coaching staff and just know we’re gonna get the job done,” said Miller.
JaKobe Coles big first half
JaKobe Coles has been the Horned Frogs leading scorer this season, averaging 15.3 points per game, and showed why in the first half with 17 points.
Coles went 6-of-9 from the field and his three makes from beyond the arc were the only points the Horned Frogs scored off 3-pointers in the first half — with the rest of the team going 0-for-12.
Coles spoke postgame about what led to his scoring outburst.
“Just my confidence I shoot the shots I’m confident in and I just think I was a little sick last game. So this game I felt a lot better, so my rhythm was there.,” said Coles.
Coles also played excellent defense with three steals and a block.
Coles finished the game with 20 points and was one of four Horned Frogs in double figures.
Scoring from all over
TCU has scored by committee all season with five players averaging at least 10 points and their offensive depth was on display against the Braves.
“We’re just versatile across the board,” said Miller, “You take away one thing, we have something else and I think that’s what’s really been helping us.”
Essam Mostafa had 10 points, Miller scored 13 and Micah Peavy notched 11 to join Coles indouble figures.
“So [Coles] scoring 21 and [Miller] scored 13, they’re gonna double them, they’re gonna get the attention. So I’m gonna be open, So give me the ball to score,” said Mostafa.
Mostafa is a transfer from Coastal Carolina who had his highest-scoring game as a Horned Frog. Even though Mostafa is playing less than he was at Coastal Carolina, the big man said it’s exactly what he signed up for and that speaks to the selflessness of TCU.
“When I transferred, I wanted to go to a bigger team that has better players and it’s a better league,” said Mostafa, “I was mentally prepared before I transferred here and I knew it, I won’t play 37 minutes a game every game... for me, it was to win.”
Miller, a preseason All-Big 12 selection, had his fourth straight game in double figures.
“I think it’s been a trend for my second-half performance to always start like that. That’s where I mostly get active and I think it’s a lot to JaKobe, and not only JaKobe, but most of my teammates,” said Miller, “They do such a great job of drawing in the defense that I start getting easier shots in the second half. So it’s just kudos to both.”
Miller scored nine of his 13 points after halftime off 3-of-4 shooting from the field and 3-of-3 shooting from the free throw line.
TCU will play next on Monday at 7:00 p.m. against Houston Christian at Schollmaier Arena.
This story was originally published November 21, 2023 at 9:15 PM.
